Grove Destroys the Pirates

All Fall I was anxiously awaiting the dramatic finish to the 2024 fooball season for the Bluffton Pirates against rival Columbus Grove. The Pirates had narrowly lost to Grove twice in 2023, once in the last game of the regular season, and then again in the playoffs, so it was time for a little revenge.

This year, it seemed that the tables would be turned. Although both teams came in at 9-0, the Pirates had the best defense and offense in the league all season long. They had better scores compared to Grove against common opponents. The average win for the Pirates was 47-7, compared to 42-12 for Grove.

When Grove took the opening kickoff and methodically drove down the field for a TD, I started to get a sinking feeling. And it just got worse and worse. I left midway through the second quarter with Grove up 28-0. The final ended with Grove winning 42-0. Grove was just bigger and stronger and faster; it looked like the Pirates were playing a college team.